Attack on churches continue

The St Antony's church authorities in Karnataka claimed that a fire – caused by mischief-makers – destroyed several hymnbooks, an audio system and furniture at the church at Yadavanahalli in Bangalore, reports B.R. Srikanth.

After nationwide protests over the attacks on churches, it seems miscreants have changed their style of functioning.

The St Antony's church authorities in Karnataka claimed that a fire – caused by mischief-makers – destroyed several hymnbooks, an audio system and furniture at the church at Yadavanahalli in Bangalore (rural) district on Monday.

Although the police say it was an accident, Father Santosh of St Antony’s church said, “It’s clear that somebody has played mischief. This (fire) is not caused by electrical short circuit.”

He told Hindustan Times, “It looks like somebody has pulled out the hymn books and opened the cupboards and moved candle stands and flower vases.”

Father Adolf Washington of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, who visited the Church this morning, said, “We know for sure that this is not a case of short circuit. We have officials of Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the directorate of electrical safety going over the place for clues.”

“We don’t understand how the police department can brush it off as short circuit when many things have been moved and some stands have been knocked down,” he added.

Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) A.R. Infant said he, too, visited the church. “At first glance, it looks like a case of mischief. The final inference can be drawn from the opinions of FSL and the directorate of electrical safety,” he said.

A high school teacher, who lives next door, said, “we were woken up by two police constables (posted at the church since the attack on churches in Bangalore on September 21) around 1.00 am and were asked to help put out the fire. We broke open a window in the rear. But we cannot say whether someone has played mischief.”

Meanwhile, the congregation has decided to keep the church locked till either Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa or Governor Rameshwar Thakur visits the place.